August 3, 2018

Mt 13: 54-58

He came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?”

And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.” And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Surprising others with conspicuous charity

“Who do you think you are?!” Who, indeed. If we’re made in the image and likeness of God, then we are made to be like Jesus. No matter our income, relationships, education, reputation or anything else. When we act from a discerning heart – a heart that hears and sees Jesus in each other – it may look strange to others, but so did the life of Jesus. It led him to his death – as it leads our pride, our fears, and our isolation to their deaths. When we act from a bold generosity, an audacious charity, we become conspicuous and even suspicious in the eyes of those who think they know us, and their surprise sometimes turns to disdain.

How might you surprise those who think they know you today with conspicuous charity or compassion?

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August 3, 2018

Mt 13: 54-58

He came to his hometown and began to teach the people in their synagogue, so that they were astounded and said, “Where did this man get this wisdom and these deeds of power? Is not this the carpenter’s son? Is not his mother called Mary? And are not his brothers James and Joseph and Simon and Judas? And are not all his sisters with us? Where then did this man get all this?”

And they took offense at him. But Jesus said to them, “Prophets are not without honor except in their own country and in their own house.” And he did not do many deeds of power there, because of their unbelief.

New Revised Standard Version, copyright 1989, by the National Council of the Churches of Christ in the United States of America. Used by permission. All rights reserved. USCCB approved.

Surprising others with conspicuous charity

“Who do you think you are?!” Who, indeed. If we’re made in the image and likeness of God, then we are made to be like Jesus. No matter our income, relationships, education, reputation or anything else. When we act from a discerning heart – a heart that hears and sees Jesus in each other – it may look strange to others, but so did the life of Jesus. It led him to his death – as it leads our pride, our fears, and our isolation to their deaths. When we act from a bold generosity, an audacious charity, we become conspicuous and even suspicious in the eyes of those who think they know us, and their surprise sometimes turns to disdain.

How might you surprise those who think they know you today with conspicuous charity or compassion?